Cranford Hospice has received a cheque for $302,775 as a result of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction held last Saturday and special tasting hosted by Tony Bish.
The auction is the largest annual contributor to Cranford Hospice and over its 29-year history, has raised more than $3.6 million for the organisation.
650 turned out for the event, which began with an auction wine tasting accompanied by music from the Jess Atkin group and cuisine served up by Dish catering.
“I am absolutely thrilled with this year’s result,” says Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers general manager Elisha Milmine.
“The kindness and generosity of both bidders and vintners came together to create a spectacular celebration. Through the support of our winemakers, artist, bidders, corporate partners and volunteers we are able to create so much more than a world-class wine event, we create a cycle of giving that has a lasting impact on our community through Cranford Hospice.”
The auction featured a special Te Mata Coleraine lot, which was purchased by Isaacs Electrical and Plumbing, who, at the end of the auction immediately gifted it back to the event to re-auction next year. Other auction lots included one-of-a-kind wine crafted exclusively for the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, barrel lots, travel packages and the painting ‘Bacchus’ by this year’s feature artist Anna Jepson.
Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association (GGWA) executive officer Lucy Chambers said witnessing the generosity in the room was “incredible”.
“It was a privilege for the GGWA to be part of the event. Cranford Hospice provides an invaluable service and it is wonderful to be able to support it. Seeing the local wine community come together in the spirit of collegiality, coupled with the enthusiastic bidding on display, we look forward to participating in next year’s Auction and again being able to support such a worthy organisation.”
“This donation is absolutely incredible and will pay for the specialist palliative care we provide,” said Cranford Hospice CEO Janice Byford-Jones.
“A heartfelt thank you to all involved with this fabulous event.”
Photo: Florence Charvin